Category Archives: Social Analysis

No doubt many of us are concerned about the national budget and deficit spending that our nation has been struggling with. Any of us who are responsible for the fiscal solvency of our own homes know how difficult it is … Continue reading →

I am offering this presentation as a program Church leaders who wish to engage with their parishioners affected by natural disasters. The purpose is to promote a communal reflection and analysis on issues related to what they experienced as a … Continue reading →

When I go out and offer talks on Catholic social issues and public policy I often have to remind my listeners that the Catholic Church is indeed a Pro-Life Church; but I always qualify this term. The Church’s pro-life position … Continue reading →

The “Option for the Poor and Vulnerable” is a principle of our Catholic social teaching. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) reminds us that this principle is firmly rooted in scripture and in our tradition. In its social … Continue reading →

In a recent article posted on the Financial Times Pope Benedict XVI offered the following Christmas message titled “A time for Christians to engage with the world.” While the article is a economic reflection on the Christmas message it also … Continue reading →

As I consider the hope that we celebrate with the birth of the one we call Emmanuel, “God among us,” I am led to reflect on Matthew’s telling of the massacre of the Holy Innocents. Christ Jesus is the Prince … Continue reading →

Many of our neighbors in Long Beach and East Atlantic Beach, NY have experienced natural disasters in the past. As we anticipated the impact of Hurricane Sandy neighbors discusses their experience of Hurricane Gloria in 1985 and Hurricane Irene that … Continue reading →

In her article “Pastoral Theology or Practical Theology” Kathleen Calahan reminds us that practical theology is not associated with the actions of the Church, “rather it is the determination theologically of the Church’s ‘principles and prescriptions for the Church’s present … Continue reading →

In the introductory note of “Faithful Citizenship” the U.S. Bishops make a point to declare their hope that by offering this document they could “contribute to civil and respectful dialogue.” In another section, they recognize that “unfortunately, politics in our … Continue reading →

At a graduate course on the “foundations for practical theology” we examined the work of Karl Rahner and explored his contribution in emphasizing the role of “practical theology” within the post Vatican II Catholic Church. In one of the articles … Continue reading →